Question about the 6000

[denisetwite]

I am considering getting one of the 6000 but I would like to know a couple of things. First, is it too much for a 72x18x18, 125 gal? Also, where would you place it in the tank so there are no dead areas? Is there a warranty with them, I think with that kind of investment it should run forever (Ok, maybe not forever....) Thanks, Denise

 

[rvitko]

It may be too little, the 6000 has a flow pattern of 4ft by 2ft around, the 6100 may be to much since the flow pattern in 7ft long and given the diamter of the flow in your tank it will channel downward and disturb the sand and might be to much for non SPS corals. The ideal is to get two 6000 Streams so you can vary the direction and intensity of flow on each end.

The warranty is two years but it does not cover abuse and neglect. The most common issues with these pumps is failure to clean them so they lock up with lime and otherwise getting the electronics wet. They generally last about 10 years well cared for, that is based on my experience with the older 7410 series which is essentially identical. Since alot of the materials have been changed, baring some spare part replacement the pumps could last even maybe 15 years, because the plastics are better than they used to be.

 

[shealygg]

Hi Denise, I'm in a similar situation as you. I have a 72" 125 that I'm switching to reef. My first step in upgrading was just what Roger said. I ordered 2 6000s w/ the multicontroller. I ordered today and am just waiting until they come in.

 

[denisetwite]

Thanks for the info.

Greg, good luck. What kind of filtration are you using? I bought a used tank that came with everything the guy was using, including hang on the back filters, I am looking into a DIY sump, but i am not sure if that is the way to go yet.

Your kids are adorable. I have 4 myself, they look to be close to my kids age, 5,4,2 1/2, and 6 mos. Have fun, Denise

 

[shealygg]

Mine are 6, almost 5, and 2. We're done....we finally figured out what was causing it!

I've been using a Kent Nautilus skimmer which hasn't done a good job, but I've just ordered an ASM G-3, which should be a huge improvement. I've also got a pretty big sump w/ bio-balls currently. I'm going to order LR in the next week to 10 days, so after it has cured and gone in the tank, I'll gradually remove the bio-balls. I'm also planning to add an in-sump refugium in the near future to help pull nitrates down (and also to help grow pods to feed future corals.)

BTW, how in the world do you keep up with 4 crumb-snatchers and maintain a tank?

 

[denisetwite]

Mandatory 3 hour rest time. I like to call it mommy time.

I am going to be setting up a sump with a hang on overflow. I am just trying to figure out the mechanics of it. The plumbing thing kind of confuses me. I know that gravity will syphon the water from the overflow to the sump, then what, you just put a pump down there and blast it back up? I need a Sump For Dummies book to spell it out. Any suggestions? Denise

 

[rvitko]

Yes, within limits the water drains only as fast as you fill. Their is a lower limit where the overflow will stop up with airbubbles in some cases and an upper limit where the return is more than the overflows can handle.